I have a 12000BTU split-air conditioner system - ComfortStar model CHH012CD-13B.The unit was installed last summer and worked perfectly. I powered on the unit for the first time this year last weekend and noticed that it was not producing as much cold air as last year. I went outside to check condenser unit and noticed that the smaller of the two copper pipes leading into the condenser unit had ice formed on it. ( i‘m assuming this is the liquid refrigerant line correct? ). Both lines are properly insulated. And there is no accumulation of water under the condenser unit. The aluminum fins are clean. I verified the filters and they are very clean too.Any ideas? Thanks in advance.Ron
Searching for a good answer on this too
usually if ice is forming the unit is low on refrigerant. was it new when you got it, or used?
Ron, On the ductless mini splits you got either 2 problems. Since you said the coils are clean and the lines are both properly insulated. Its either: Low on refrigerant: Mini-splits are notorious for leaking on the flare joints (will notice oil residue either the outside unit where the line meets the condenser, or on the inside unit behind the blower section will be another flared joint). If you see that it is oily. you got a leak and the original installer did not properly install the unit. Call the company back and it should be a free trip for them to come back tighten the joints and add refrigerant. Note: if it is 410A refrigerant request that all the remainder of the refrigerant to be recovered from the system due to 410A is a blend of different refrigerants and if there is a small leak it is likely that the smaller molecule refrigerant was lost and the system will never run the same again, efficiency wise. other problem is a bad AEV (automatic expansion valve). It is located in the condensing unit outside, and if it is restricted you will see signs of frosting on the smaller of the two lines. Good Luck and hope it is problem number 1
